Hello everyone, this is my first post! I've learned a lot from your excellent forum in the month that I've been on Atkins. My question is about xanthan gum -- the package says it is 8 calories per Tbsp, but, oddly, it lists 8g carbs and 9 g fiber! Something isn't right here -- why is fiber count greater than total carbs, and if there are 8 carbs, why only 8 calories? It should be 32 calories, since there is no fat or protein in it, no?

Also, can xanthan gum be used as a substitute for Thicken Thin Not Starch? I would like to make sauces, etc. and have not been able to find Not Starch in my area.

Thanks in advance!

hi Thumbelina,

Welcome to the world of confusing food labels I suspect they've done a little rounding up/down with the numbers, which is permitted.

Xanthan gum is a type of carbohydrate that's very similar to soluble fiber. Meaning it's not absorbed and consequently won't raise blood sugar or insulin level.

So where do the calories come from? Well, just like soluble fiber, xanthan gum arrives in the large intestine pretty much intact. There, the normal bacteria cause a partial fermentation, which produces short chain fatty acids. These are absorbed and used for energy, but not CARB energy.

For the record, you'll only use a very small amount of xanthan gum per recipe. A half to one TEAspoon will thicken a sauce. You'll need to experiment .. it can thicken both hot and cold liquids, although sometimes heat will increase the thickening power. Xanthan gum tends to clump, but if you keep stirring and whisking, the lumps will blend in just fine. The texture will not be like a flour or cornstarch based sauce .. it'll a bit gummier. It's great for stir-fry sauce.


hth,

Doreen

Many thanks for your most helpful reply!